Focusrite’s Saffire range of Firewire audio interfaces highlights the fundamental features that distinguish the sound quality of Focusrite interfaces from other available products in their class: precision analogue/digital conversion quality, a result of careful circuit design, multi-layer board layout and component choices; and Focusrite’s award-winning mic preamps, developed from 30 years of experience in mic pre design and created especially for our interfaces to deliver clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion. Click here to learn more about the keys to Focusrite interface superiority. Saffire interfaces offer the most effective way to get high-quality audio into and out of your DAW. They’re compatible with any DAW on Macintosh or Windows, and with the included Red 2 and Red 3 AAX plugins, they make a perfect partner for Pro Tools.

Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s flagship multichannel FireWire audio interface. Built into a sturdy 2U enclosure, all the controls are placed for easy access on a busy session – and Liquid Saffire 56 can handle the busiest session! Liquid Saffire 56 is ready-made to form the heart of your studio, with the versatility and I/O capability you need.

Eight preamps are included. Six feature Focusrite’s dual-stage design, specially-created for the Focusrite interface range and founded on design experience harking back to 1985, when console legend Rupert Neve was asked by Sir George Martin to design new modules for the AIR Studios console – setting the foundation for thirty years of Focusrite development. The remaining pair of mic preamps features Focusrite’s powerful Liquid emulation technology. This combines with Saffire PRO Firewire interfacing to deliver a host of authentic preamp flavours, seamless software integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.

Dual Liquid Preamps

In addition to six of Focusrite's legendary mic pres, two of Liquid Saffire 56’s eight preamps feature third-generation Focusrite’s Liquid Pre amp technology, providing the choice of ten different authentic-sounding preamp emulations. These include emulations based on the Neve 1073, the Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72 and seven other classic designs. A harmonics dial on each Liquid preamp lets you emulate variance in vintage originals of the same model, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th harmonics creatively to shape your sound.

Precision 24-bit/192kHz conversion

Liquid Saffire 56 doesn’t simply offer preamp variety or an impressive number of channels; sonic integrity is also guaranteed throughout. Both the Liquid and Saffire preamps ensure low noise and distortion with plenty of headroom. At the same time, quality digital conversion – based on careful component choices, effective circuit design and layout of the multi-layer circuit boards combined with JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology – ensure pristine audio quality into and out of your computer system.

A Host of I/O

Alongside the two Liquid and six Saffire preamps are a host of I/O options. There are ten analogue outputs, 16 channels of ADAT I/O, stereo S/PDIF, MIDI and two virtual ‘loopback’ inputs for routing digital audio between software applications — ideal for capturing audio playback within your computer. Mic, Line and Instrument inputs all use independent connectors, with the input type for each channel selectable via custom control software. Consequently, all the inputs can remain permanently connected, your interface securely in the rack ready for whatever your recording session demands. In addition, word-clock I/O is provided on BNC connectors, allowing Liquid Saffire 56 to act as either a master clock for your studio, or as a slave to an existing sync system.

Every mic channel features an independent phantom power and a high-pass filter, switchable from the front panel, with the two instrument channels also featuring 9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel five-step LED metering for all inputs, including ADAT and S/PDIF, offers accurate viewing of all levels.

Saffire MixControl

Saffire MixControl, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56, features powerful output routing and monitoring. It also provides intuitive one-click set-up options, a clear and concise mixing layout, large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes, and control over the choice of Liquid emulation.

Flexible, versatile monitoring

Two independent front-panel headphone sockets are provided, each with their own level controls. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers, while an 'anti-thump' circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes when booting up or shutting down the unit.

Related video

Saffire MixControl Tutorial

Watch video above on how to use Saffire MixControl.

What is AES17?

Herein lies the real talent of good product design – to get the most out the chips used. Focusrite R & D have found that the difference between real-world and chipset performance can be as much as 12dB dynamic range.